TN: 2012 G Mascarello Barolo Monprivato

With Easter Dinner.

Definitely on the young side, but not so young that it’s not ready to drink. Enjoyed out of Riedel GC Burgundy stems, 1 hr initial decant and slowly consumed over the course of 5 hrs.

Clear garnet, translucent, watery rim. The nose is dominated by fruits- aromas are fresh, red fruited, cherry and cranberry, a hint of that lingonberry soda that’s served at IKEA. Quite fruit dominant on the palate as well, though it’s starting to develop some earthy/tar notes. There is high acidity, and though the tannins are not super aggressive, they make themselves known. Nonetheless, the wine feels nearly weightless, such a pleasure to roll around in the mouth. Finish is long, savory, makes me think of savory foods that include cranberries.

To my palate, this is just starting to enter into “excellent time to drink” territory. This wine was perfect with food, in this case a traditional Italian Torta Rustica, with Parmacotto al Tartufo. I think the pairing worked bc the richness of the food helped buffer the tannins, but the food itself wasn’t too heavy, which matched the light body of the wine. But the drinking window on this thing is wide open; it’s delicious now, and I bet it will still be delicious in 2040. Is it worth the high tariff? Tough to say…

1 Like

Thank you for sharing this note…I’ve been thinking of opening a 2010, based on the past bottle I had a few years ago. Yet given the vintage I’ve considered 2008 might be a better choice.

I opened a 2010 back in 2019 and even with a few hours in a decanter, it really wasn’t very close to being ready to drink. No idea how much the last three years have done in that regard, but my guess would be to wait longer. I think that is a more structured, longer-aging vintage for Barolo.

1 Like

I wouldn’t open either if you’re thinking about it. I had an 08 back in October and it needed a lot more time. I did have an 05 a few weeks back tbst was killer though

This. 2012 was a bit lesser year making quite classical wines but ones suitable for earlier consumption. 2010 is one of the best vintages on this side of millennium, making really ageworthy wines. Two entirely different beasts.

1 Like

The 2005 is drinking nicely now too if you have those.

Yes exactly. 2006/10/13 and more recent vintages are slumbering away in my cellar. Probably 2008 should too. Everything else seems like fair game (more or less, there are always exceptions) depending on how aged you like your Barolos.

1 Like